Christopher Pyke, Ph. D., Named Research Director for the U.S. Green Building Council

June 24, 2009 |

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 24, 2009) – The U.S. Green Building Council announced this week that Christopher Pyke, Ph. D. has been appointed Research Director. Dr. Pyke joins USGBC from CTG Energetics in Irvine, Calif., where he was National Director of Climate Change Services. He brings a strong background of leadership in green building research to USGBC, underscoring its commitment to raising the bar on research related to green building science and technology, including the performance of LEED-certified buildings. This research will be vital to the ongoing development of the LEED green building certification program.

“The rapid evolution of the green building industry provides tremendous opportunities for continuous growth and innovation,” said Rebecca Flora, Senior Vice President of Education and Research, USGBC. “With Chris leading our research team, USGBC’s role in building-related research and our commitment to utilizing scientific rigor and analysis to inform LEED rating system and curriculum development will drive exponential expansion of the green building body of knowledge.”

Dr. Pyke has worked with USGBC in the past, most recently contributing technical support to the development of the rating systems under LEED v3 and as a subject matter expert for the development of USGBC’s 200-level LEED education curriculum. He has a Ph.D. in Geography from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Dr. Pyke will also support USGBC’s work with the Clinton Climate Initiative’s Climate Positive Development Program.

About the U.S. Green Building Council

The Washington, D.C.-based U.S. Green Building Council is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings.

With a community comprising 78 local affiliates, more than 20,000 member companies and organizations, and more than 100,000 LEED Accredited Professionals, USGBC is the driving force of an industry that is projected to soar to $60 billion by 2010. The USGBC leads an unlikely diverse constituency of builders and environmentalists, corporations and nonprofit organizations, elected officials and concerned citizens, and teachers and students.

Buildings in the United States are responsible for 39% of CO2 emissions, 40% of energy consumption, 13% water consumption and 15% of GDP per year, making green building a source of significant economic and environmental opportunity. Greater building efficiency can meet 85% of future U.S. demand for energy, and a national commitment to green building has the potential to generate 2.5 million American jobs. For more information, visit www.usgbc.org.